Saints & Sinners

Manchester United 0 Southampton 1

Following the euphoria of grabbing all the three points from Anfield, it was back to home with a bang for United as Southampton inflicted a defeat on the Red Devils that could have a huge reverberating aftershock on the club.

United were looking to continue their unbeaten start to the year, an unbeaten start in which the results have glossed over the performances which to be honest have been well below than what is expected at United.

There was more bad news on the injury front as van Gaal revealed that Ashley Young will be absent for 'a long time' with an operation expected on his groin problem. The Dutchman actually admitted that it might force him into the transfer market if the right player became available.

Add to that the missing Schweinsteiger, Jones and Carrick and the team selection had a familiar look to it: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson, Schneiderlin, Fellaini, Herrera, Rooney, Lingard and Martial.

The only change from the victory over Liverpool saw young defender Borthwick-Jackson given a chance to start in place of Young. Mata was once again demoted to the bench with the unpredictable Fellaini given the thumbs up by van Gaal to start.

The last time that United beat Southampton at home was back in 2013 in a 2-1 victory that included a double from Rooney and if he could manage the same feat in this match he would reach 100 Premier League goals at the Theatre of Dreams.

The visitors got the game underway with their latest signing Charlie Austin on the bench.

Could United manage something they had only achieved once in their last eleven matches at Old Trafford and that was to score a goal in the first half? Their first effort came in the eighth minute when Martial's tame shot squirmed woefully wide of the post.

It was clear that the Saints had come with one plan in mind and that was to defend then look to counter pretty much as every team has done this season to thwart United.

Blind tried his luck from distance with a shot that had the power, but not the accuracy to get past Forster in the Saints goal. Herrera managed to get on the end of a through ball inside the opposition area but failed to get the ball under control. At last, the home side had lifted the tempo which had the desired effect on the home fans as they started to get behind their side.

Rooney had a blast wide in the 20th minute as it looked increasingly like it was going to another barren 45 minutes if they continued in the same vein. Because of this Southampton grew in confidence as the half progressed and started to play higher up the pitch seeing that United was lacking in ideas up front.

Lingard was having another poor outing and even the mercurial Martial looked particularly jaded. Herrera was trying his best to generate some forward momentum that had the fans chanting his name.

After half an hour it had been another frustrating display by United who distinctly looked void of ideas. Saints striker Mane slipped through the home defence and had a great chance to put the visitors ahead but thankfully for the home side, he completely missed his kick with only De Gea to beat.

Five minutes before the break and the boos could be heard aimed towards the manager more than the players after what has to be said was an awful display and the body language of some of the players spoke volumes about their own dismay at their lack of creativity. It was all a case of hit, hope and see.

Half-time and no surprise at the scoreline of 0-0. What can be said that hasn't been said before about United's inability to produce the goods in the opening 45 minutes of a match this season. Nothing.

Last week at Anfield it was reported that the players had a shouting match at half-time in which some home truths were laid out on the table. One can only hope that the walls inside the home dressing room were vibrating from a similar tirade this time around.

United got the second half underway as they attacked the favoured Stretford End with an immediate change that received the biggest roar of the day when Mata replaced the ineffective Fellaini.

Mata had an immediate impact by spraying a great ball into the path of Lingard down the right wing and his through ball almost picked out the forward run of Rooney. Mata's introduction seemed to have the desired effect not only with his teammates but also the crowd.

Rooney and Martial almost combined to open the scoring but the ball failed to sit right for either of them. This was miles better from the Red Devils.

United's passing was crisp and they had an air of urgency about them that was distinctly missing in the first half. Still the danger from the visitors hadn't disappeared and Darmian took one for the team as he was unceremoniously clattered by Long as he cleared a dangerous cross. The Italian clearly couldn't continue and had to be replaced by Paddy McNair. Yet another casualty added to the already lengthy injured list.

The lengthy delay in the match for the injury to Darmian came at the wrong time and definitely disturbed United's drive as they took their time to get back into the attacking rhythm. It was Southampton who had a couple of close chances from two corners that had the watching home fans holding their breath. The visitors were getting closer.

McNair almost played Lingard through on goal with a ball that would have been the pass of the match, but it was slightly overhit even for someone with Lingard's pace.

The game had totally opened up as Southampton had the belief that they could pull off a win against a United team devoid of confidence or imagination.

As the match entered the last ten minutes everything about United's play had become stale with absolutely no efforts on goal or a sense of urgency from the home side.

A cheer rang out for Borthwick-Jackson when he made way for Januzaj. However, the first action the returning Belgian was involved in was to give away a foul in a dangerous area. When the ball was delivered there was the unmarked debutante substitute Charlie Austin to power home a header to pour more pressure on van Gaal and his team. The striker was left free in the area once Schneiderlin decided to leave him alone to help out McNair.

There was a late flurry by the home side as the referee added five extra minutes to the clock, but apart from an off-target effort from Januzaj United offered nothing in response to the visitors goal.

It ended 0-1 but it's not the defeat that hurts the most it was the way it was lost. All the staff at United have to take responsibility for the way in which this famous club has been transformed into a side that isn't feared by any team.

Apart from a ten-minute spell at the start of the second half, this was yet another dismal display by United that left the watching faithful bemused and bewildered at not only the way they played but in the manner they went about it.

This was not a case of a bad day at the office it was deeper than that. Not one player performed to anywhere near a level that is expected from a United player. They looked devoid of ideas and demoralised in their general outlook on the pitch.

The name Manchester United doesn't automatically earn you the right to win games that right has to be earned and that is just not happening at the moment. Fingers of blame will be pointed, but in the end they have to be directed at the manager and his coaches.

It's not just the first team that has questions to answer as the U18's suffered a demoralising 5-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup 4th round. It seems all is not well with the youngsters as they have struggled in the league having lost ten games on the bounce.

For a club that had been built on a proud youth policy, this cannot go unnoticed as it has been a long time coming. The traditions have been slowly ignored and left to be run down in recent years and it is a situation that has to be addressed and quickly. I wonder what was going through Sir Bobby Charlton's mind as he sat in the stand watching the young Reds capitulate as easily as they did.

Where does the club go from here?

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Martial Goes Marching On.

Southampton 2 Manchester United 3

Following a disappointing return in more ways than one to the Champions League group stage, it was back to the Premier League for United and fittingly as these strange quirks of fate have a way of working out it was a match against Luke Shaw's old team Southampton.

Of course, Shaw would not be present as he starts his long road to recovery after the double leg fracture he sustained in the defeat at the hands of PSV. An injury that made the result secondary as it was the first game and there is plenty of time for the team to get their European adventure back on track.

United's focus was firmly back on the league following their victory over Liverpool last time out, so it was imperative that they kept up the morale-boosting feeling that the win over their arch rivals gave them and three points would put them on the heels of Man City.

With the main absentee being Shaw, the biggest talking point in the build-up to the game was who would take over the left-back position. The two main candidates are Rojo and Blind and it would make sense not to disturb the blossoming partnership that has built up between Blind and Smalling in the middle of the back four.

As was witnessed against PSV when Rojo came on for Shaw he immediately slotted in next to Smalling with van Gaal switching Blind to the left-back position. The problem with this is Blinds' lack of pace and it was proven to be correct when PSV scored the winner, Blind struggled to get back and Rojo's positioning was rusty to say the least due to zero playing time. The obvious choice would be to play Rojo at left back and leave the center-backs to continue their great form together.

On a positive note, Wayne Rooney had recovered from his injury and was available to start and gave the manager more options in attack.

Here is the starting XI chosen by Louis van Gaal: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Memphis, Rooney and Martial.

Subs: Romero, McNair, Valencia, Herrera, Schweinsteiger, Young and Fellaini.

A strong looking side with Rooney making his expected return to the team and Martial in his first Premier League start after performing well against Liverpool and PSV. There was no place for Schweinsteiger. However, Schneiderlin would start against his old club where he spent many years.

As the match got underway in bright sunshine, it was evident that van Gaal had chosen Rojo to play as left-back and it was the Argentinian's first start since the Copa America final.

The first real chance fell to the home side, but the shot didn't even manage to trouble De Gea. This was followed by another Saints opportunity from which they won a corner.

Southampton began to grow in confidence with every attack and it wasn't a surprise when The Saints took the lead in the 12th minute when a shot from Mane was palmed clear by De Gea only into the path of Pelle who made no mistake putting the Saints into the lead. What was surprising was the shocking lack of marking by the United defence as the original cross was delivered into the penalty area.

A minute after the goal Pelle could have doubled the lead with a shot that luckily for the away side hit the post. A response was needed from United, but it was slow coming as they couldn't seem to keep the ball long enough when in possession especially in the final third.

During the first half hour, all that United could create were half chances for Memphis and Martial. Rooney failed to impress yet again on his comeback with some poor passes and as has happened so many times this season he loses possession in areas where the opposition can launch an attack.

Then just after half an hour up stepped Martial to equalise for United following great approach play from Mata who charged into the box only to be well challenged by a defender who only managed to direct the ball into Martial's path. The Frenchman showed fantastic composure to make room for a shot and he netted with confidence. That was more like it and maybe this would spur United to raise the tempo.

This they did and a combination of Mata and Memphis almost managed to scramble the ball past the keeper before Schneiderlin had a goalbound shot deflected away from danger. Better from United and at half-time it was all square at 1-1. United finished the half on top after a less than impressive start.

At the start of the second half van Gaal decided to freshen things up along the back four by replacing Darmian with Valencia at right-back. To be fair Darmian had been a shadow of his usual self.

Then in the 50th minute all hell broke loose in the away end as United took the lead through that man Martial again. Yoshida of Southampton played a woefully under-hit back pass which the French teenager latched onto and headed towards goal at full pace he then tucked the ball away with great aplomb. Martial is a truly wonderful talent who has fitted well into the side and has shown great pace, awareness and skill for a newcomer to the English game. Long may it last.

Southampton pressed for their own equaliser and following a corner David De Gea pulled off a save that must rank up there with the best he or any other keeper has made as he somehow managed to claw away a header that was bound for the net. A truly unbelievable and instinctive save from the Spaniard, watch and weep Real Madrid.

The usual change of players took place as Schweinsteiger replaced Carrick in the midfield.

Hard working Mata put United in total control at 3-1 in the 68th minute after Memphis had cut inside before rifling a shot off the post, but there in the right place to neatly convert the rebound was Juan Mata. The goal came at the end of a long passing spell by United which added up to around 45 passes and was orchestrated by Schweinsteiger.

A tired Marcos Rojo was replaced by youngster Paddy McNair for the final twenty minutes of a match that United were now in total control of.

Goal hero Martial came in for some rough treatment around the edge of Southampton's penalty area which only goes to show that the defenders were well aware of his immense talent and in a weird way showed him respect by fouling him, something that he will have to get used to around the grounds.

From the resulting direct free-kicks both Mata and Memphis failed to find the target and this is an area where United have got to make them count as both Martial and Memphis have the pace to cause defenders problems and the side will keep on winning fouls in those dangerous areas.

As is usual with United they left the fans hanging on until the end as the defenders allowed an unmarked Pelle to head in a goal in the last five minutes to make it 3-2 and give the home support the voice to try and get their side back level in the five minutes of added time.

It was all backs to the wall for the Red Devils as Southampton tried to peg United back and there was David De Gea again to produce another wonderful save from a long range effort from Wanyama. De Gea showed fabulous athleticism to turn the shot away with his fingertips and once again proved that he has to be regarded as the number 1 not only at United, but in the world.

Once again United produced a match-winning second half after a dire first 45 minutes in which they lacked a cutting edge and had no style, flair and above all no inventiveness. Whatever van Gaal said to the team at half-time had the desired effect as the players approached the second period in a different vein. If only they could produce that style of play from the kick-off.

As regards the man of the match both De Gea and Martial have to be considered, but it was a very close call to give it to the young striker, anyway De Gea's shelf must be sagging under the weight of all his awards time to let someone else have the limelight.

One issue that needs to be addressed is van Gaal's use of his captain. Rooney's talents are wasted when playing deep and it will be interesting to see how the manager deals with this dilemma as it is clearly not working. Moves tend to break down too easily when the team try and play through him when he's in that position, a Paul Scholes he is not and never will be. Get him back where he can do the most damage or use Herrera in that number 10 spot.

The win pushes United up into second place only two points behind Man City and there is good reason for optimism because if they can collect three points from an average performance just imagine what they can achieve when firing on all cylinders.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

From Saint To Red Devil: Morgan Schneiderlin.

A Dutchman, an Italian, a German and now a Frenchman have created their very own European Union by signing for Manchester United. Last season the signings had a South American flair to it, but this summer Louis van Gaal has brought in talent from a lot closer to home.

Morgan Schneiderlin's move to United continues the long line of French talent to have graced the Theatre of Dreams. The midfielder has joined United on a four-year deal with an initial fee of around £24m.

One benefit of his signing is that he has the valuable experience of English football from his seven years playing at Southampton which have included stints not only in the Premier League but also both the Championship and League 1, add to that he is 25 years old, therefore United have signed a player coming into the prime of his career.

Schneiderlin was born in 1989 in Zellwiller, France and began his route to Old Trafford at RC Strasbourg aged only seven years old and progressed through their youth system finally making his debut eleven years later in 2006. After being groomed so long by the club he would only make a handful of appearances before being sold as his team were relegated from Ligue 1 at the end of the 2007-08 season.

His next port of call was Southampton joining them in the summer of 2008 for a fee of £1.2m. At the time, Southampton were in The Championship of the Football League and struggling with finance and fighting relegation. The manager at that time was Jan Poortvliet and he built a young side until he departed in January of Morgan's first season.

Worse was to come for the Saints as they were deducted 10 points as the owning company went into administration which guaranteed relegation to League One. Even with all the vultures surrounding the club Schneiderlin stuck with them.

It took Southampton three years and four managers to climb back to the Premier League and Schneiderlin was a huge influence on that success and was awarded for his loyalty with a new three-year contract in 2011.

Once back in the Premier League the Frenchman started to blossom as a midfielder and started to make bigger clubs sit up and take notice of his quality, however, he decided to stay at St.Mary's by extending his contract to 2017.

Not known for his goalscoring exploits, in 230 appearances for Southampton he only managed 14 goals, Morgan did manage to score against his future employers in a 3-2 loss to United at the beginning of the 2012-13 season. He performed at such a high, consistent level that season he was honoured as the Saints player of the year by both his colleagues and fans alike.

The following campaign, he made a total of 37 appearances as Southampton finally started to compete well in the Premier League, but they still found it difficult to hold on to their young, talented players and the likes of Luke Shaw departed for a chance of glory at bigger clubs.

In April 2015, Morgan received an injury that would keep him out for the remainder of the season and mean that he had played his last game as a Saint. Many suitors came calling for his services, including Spurs and Liverpool but it was the Red Devils who got their man and as in his own words 'Once I learned that United was interested in signing me, it was a very easy decision to make.'

His signing was announced along with the quality signing of Bastian Schweinsteiger and the new midfield of United is starting to take on a formidable shape add to that existing reds Carrick, Mata, Herrera, Fellaini & Co. next season promises to be an exciting campaign.

United have captured a player with a high work rate and natural ability a player who relishes a battle in the middle of the park and is not afraid to get stuck into tackles and his skills should aid the other players around him. How van Gaal will juggle the talent he has at his disposal only he knows, but it will certainly offer United positive options to choose from.

On a cautionary note Schneiderlin does seem to have a bad habit of getting his name taken by referees for example, in the last four seasons, he has received a total of 32 yellow cards, but only 1 red, which means he will have to tread carefully at United.

On the international front, Morgan has represented France at all levels and made his debut for the full squad against Jamaica in 2014 and was taken to the World Cup finals after originally being on standby. He made only one appearance in the tournament in Brazil and has to date played nine times for the 'Les Bleus'.

On a side note, before he played for the full international side there were rumours that he could, in fact, represent England as he had earned a British citizenship but it wasn't to be.

Welcome to Manchester Morgan and the best of luck.

Miles Dunton.

Manchester United Fixtures Preview 2015/16

It seems that last season has only just finished but this week saw the release of next season's fixture list.

All the fans have their own preference of which match to look for first whether it be by team or date. The most important matches have to be the Liverpool fixtures followed by the derby dates.

There is, of course, no such thing as an easy season, however, Louis van Gaal must have been quietly confident when he saw the fixtures as it has thrown up a fairly easy start and end to the season with the hardest of the matches coming mid-season which gives the team time to get into a winning rhythm.

The Red Devils will kick off their season with by far the biggest match of the opening weekend at Old Trafford against Spurs followed by an away trip to Aston Villa then it's Newcastle at home.
August ends with a tricky journey to Wales to take on Swansea who started our season off with a defeat last year. In the middle of those games, United will have the not so small task of the UEFA Champions League qualifying matches.

A collective spirit is needed.

There will be the dreaded international break before our first big clash in mid-September at home to Liverpool, memories of last season's double over them still fresh in the mind. Two more games in September see us play the much improved Southampton away and Sunderland, who were so lucky to escape the drop last time round, at Old Trafford.

Rooney scores against Arsenal.

October will prove a difficult month as it starts with two matches away first a visit to the Emirates to play Arsenal followed by Everton. Then it's the first local derby at home to Man City. Last season was sweet against the Gunners and City but sticky versus the toffees. Crystal Palace will provide the opposition at Selhurst Park at the end of the month.

The three matches in November seem to be relatively straightforward, if that's possible for United, they are WBA at home, newly promoted Watford away and Leicester away.

Ashley Young in his Watford days.

The month will see a return to Vicarage Road for Ashley Young, who started his career at Watford. It's been eight years since The Hornets were last in the top flight.

The busy festive month of December will see United play in a total of five matches three home and two away. It starts with a home game against West Ham with their new manager Bilic then a trip to the south coast to play Premier League debutantes AFC Bournemouth who we last played in the FA Cup back in 1989.

Another newly promoted side Norwich will visit Old Trafford then Boxing Day will see all the fans dressed as Santa at The Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke. Come the end of the year will hopefully be a match that is going to have a strong bearing on the Premiership title, Chelsea at home.

AFC Bournemouth celebrating promotion

The first match in 2016 will see the visit of Swansea to Manchester followed by a break in the league for the FA Cup 3rd round. After which United will be on their travels to Newcastle and Anfield the scene of Juan Mata's heroics last time we played there. The month will end with Southampton at home.

February starts with former red Mark Hughes bringing his Stoke side to Old Trafford which will be followed by United playing Chelsea at Stamford bridge on the 58th anniversary to the day of the Munich air disaster. Sunderland away comes before yet another big clash of the month Arsenal at home.

Mata the Anfield hero.

Hopefully, by the time March comes around United will be well placed for the league run in and will host Watford then visit WBA. Crystal Palace at home will be followed by our last match against one of our possible major opponents for the league, Man City at the Etihad. It would also be nice to think that United will be still involved in the knockout stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup.

The last seven matches in April and May appear to offer United a chance to end the season strongly and it starts with Everton at home then Spurs away. By the time we play Villa at Old Trafford and West Ham away, we could be potentially gearing up for silverware in the league or one of the cups or dare I say both.

Our last three games of the league season are Leicester at home followed by Norwich away, then Old Trafford will witness the last match of the campaign as Bournemouth will hopefully be trying to spoil the Champions' celebrations.

I foresee United getting off to a flying start compared to the stuttering beginning last season. Louis van Gaal has now had a year in the Old Trafford hot seat and will have learnt from his and the teams' mistakes of the previous season. Add to that the new arrivals that have been signed to strengthen the squad and there is every reason to be optimistic about the chances of being able to challenge on all four fronts next season.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Back to the drawing board.

Manchester United 0 Southampton 1

"Unbelievable!" was Louis van Gaal's answer when asked about the injury situation in his pre-match press conference this week. An expression he could have used for the outcome of this match.

This was Southampton's first win at Old Trafford in the league for 27 years, and only the second time United have been beaten at home this season. Sadly, it was the weak manner in which they lost against Southampton without even having a shot on goal that riled the most.

The first time the manager has had a fully fit squad to choose from in five months. That is apart from Ashley Young. On Friday in his press conference van Gaal seemed to enjoy the headache he would have in selecting a starting eleven. On Sunday evening he would have a headache for completely different reasons.

In the end he chose a Manchester United starting XI consisting of: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, Blind, Carrick, Rooney, Mata, Di Maria and Van Persie. To be used in his preferred 3-5-2 formation. There was no place for Falcao, who was not involved in the squad at all. Angel Di Maria was chosen to play alongside Robin van Persie in attack, clearly for his pace. Daley Blind was recalled to play with Smalling and Jones at the back.

It was no surprise to see Robin van Persie head the forward line as he has netted a total of six times against the Saints, while at United, including two goals in this reverse fixture in the win at St. Mary's in December.

Angel Di Maria's pace would be crucial in attack today, but after only playing a limited amount of minutes in the last month or so, the worry was whether he would last the pace.

All in all this United team seemed to be strong enough to get the three points and move closer to Man City who only drew on Saturday.

The opening to the first half saw Southampton enjoy the early exchanges, and in the first seconds Southampton's Clyne had a chance when United's defence didn't react to a through pass, but luckily for United he pulled his shot wide.

From the fifth minute United took control and started to put some neat passes together. Di Maria floated a delightful ball across the box, unfortunately nobody reacted quickly enough to make any contact.

In the 14th minute Rooney chipped a pass to Mata who just couldn't get past the last defender, but at least the chances were starting to develop. Rooney was controlling the play from his midfield role, spraying passes left and right and generally finding his men. One of those passes was intercepted by Alderweireld, but as he did he pulled up and had to be replaced. As the substitute was waiting to come on Di Maria tried his luck from the edge of the box but fired his effort wide.

Chris Smalling got it into his head at one point that he was a classy center back, and tried to dribble the ball out of defence only to lose it, then he lunged in on the Saints player. He was lucky to escape a booking. It's mistakes like that which have proven costly for us this season. Likewise, Phil Jones kept joining the attack only to give the ball away when an easier choice was available.

On the half hour mark wing back Valencia went on a powerful run down the right, but he was matched for pace by the defender who managed to block the cross for a corner. Another Valencia run was illegally checked, and from the resulting free-kick Di Maria's delivery was woeful.

A great chance opened up when van Persie put Di Maria clear. However, the ball drifted a little too wide for a shot, so Di Maria attempted to pull it back across the box, but the keeper beat Mata to the ball. Chance gone. A second clear chance came when van Persie had a shot in the box which seemed to hit a defenders hand. Mata was busy protesting when he should have been busy challenging for the ball. Chance once again gone.

United were on top throughout the first half without scoring. Lots of half chances, but you did get the feeling that Southampton were more than capable of grabbing a goal. So United needed to turn up the heat in the second half and put this match to bed as quickly as possible.

The second half got under way with no changes for United, who were attacking the Stretford End. Again, as in the first half Southampton had a chance to open the scoring within seconds. On this occasion United defended well to put the ball out for a corner.

Di Maria showed the quality of his pace as he chased a speculative long ball from Valencia down the right channel. He managed to reach it but once again his pass to van Persie was poor. The match was the same at both ends, half chances for both sides, but each time the last ball was dreadful.

The match was crying out for somebody to get a grip of the game, take it by the scruff of the neck and produce a match winning performance.

United were starting to get things together down the left with Blind, Shaw and Di Maria causing headaches for the Southampton defence. Once again all the effort wasn't being turned into any clear- cut openings. Frustration was beginning to be felt around the stadium, and out on the pitch as van Persie needlessly picked up a yellow card.

After an hour of play Ander Herrera replaced Robin van Persie, which meant Rooney was moved back up front as the main striker, and in turn Herrera took over the captains midfield role. Straight away Rooney had a chance but failed to get his head to a cross.

The second substitution came within a few minutes of the first as Shaw was taken off. Clearly still feeling a knock from an earlier defensive interception. Tyler Blackett came on in his place.

United continued to probe away but Southampton were proving a tough nut to crack. Then in the 69th minute the Saints cracked United. After hitting the post the ball rebounded out to Dusan Tadic. He in turn slotted home the opener through a penalty area strewn with five United defenders. Once again second-rate defending from United.

The last throw of the dice from van Gaal saw Fellaini come on for the ineffective Di Maria, for the last twenty minutes, a sentence I never thought I would ever write.

The dismal mood of the day was summed up on 76 minutes when Michael Carrick was booked for a professional foul that halted an attack by Southampton.

Mata went the closest three times in the last twenty minutes. First he had a shot across the area which traveled wide of the far post, then the Spaniard put a close range effort over the bar, lastly he attempted a drive, which was deflected for a corner. It clearly was not going to be United's day.

When the fourth official held up 5 minutes of extra time you just didn't get that feeling of excitement from knowing United always grabbed a goal at the death. So bad was this display you felt that it gave Southampton time to add a second on the break.

In the end this result was a huge disappointment. A loss that dents any dreams of United winning the league. This was a very poor showing bearing in mind United were back to full strength, and with the attacking quality we had on display, not to manage one shot on goal is just unacceptable.

Falling to our first defeat in 12 matches the team needs to pick themselves up and start again on a run to cement a top four position. United's next 7 premier league matches are against QPR(a), Leicester(h), WHU(a), Burnley(h), Swansea(a), Sunderland(h) and Newcastle(a). Matches that before today's debacle seemed to hold no worries, but now take on a feeling of uncertainty.

As I've mentioned in past articles, our best chance of silverware has to be the FA Cup. Next up is another tricky away fixture at Cambridge United. Similar in size to Yeovil Town with a stadium of the same capacity this will not be easy, but definitely winnable.

Lastly, a big United welcome to Victor Valdes who officially joined the Red Devils this week. Now all United need to do is get David de Gea to sign a new contract and we will have a couple of World class keepers on the books. Sadly, it probably spells the end for Anders Lindegaard, if so, I hope he finds a team and gets the playing time he deserves.

Until next time thanks as always for reading.

Miles Dunton.

The Red Devils go marching on, on, on.

Southampton 1 Manchester United 2

Travelling all the way from Manchester to the South coast to play Southampton for a weekend match is a geographical nightmare, but to do it on a Monday night just to accommodate the TV schedule is even worse. So all credit to the thousands of United fans who made the long journey to cheer on the team so vocally, even though the team didn't play particularly well, they saw their heroes win again to move into the top three of the Premier League.

The United team had a familiar look to it apart from the inclusion of Paddy McNair who was given the chance to shine again in defence, which meant that there was no starting place for Ander Herrera who had performed well in the last two home games. Once again Falcao was left on the bench as van Gaal confirmed this week that he is still not fit enough to play 90 mins.

The first half started with the United fans in fine voice. The team however, took their time to find their own rhythm. Until the 12th minute when Robin van Persie ran onto a horrendous back pass from the Saint's Jose Fonte to open the scoring with a well taken strike under the keeper's body.

On the quarter hour yet another blow for United with Smalling landing awkwardly and having to be replaced by Jonny Evans, himself making his return from an ankle problem. The injury jinx this season will just not go away. Maybe instead of a rehabilitation coach we need a witch doctor!

On the half hour mark Southampton drew level through Pelle. The build up to the equaliser came from a terrible square pass from Fellaini, who when possession was lost, didn't put in any effort to chase back. At least this time he didn't go to ground feigning a neck injury. Sorry to say it, but this was a Fellaini performance of old, not of recent matches.

Louis van Gaal made a tactical change on 39 minutes. McNair departed having been run ragged in the first half, with Herrera coming on. Carrick dropped into the back three to add experience and a steady head. At least United ended the first half on the attack with a cracking shot from van Persie into the side netting.

As the second half progressed United took more control but still managed to give the ball away too easily through bad passing, probably still feeling the effects of their Christmas party. Even captain Rooney managed to deliver a corner more suited to rugby union.

On 71 minutes United were awarded a free kick which was taken by Rooney to be met by Robin van Persie, who made a great run to the back post to guide a sublime left footed shot past keeper Forster. Another fine goal from van Persie that showed he still has quality in abundance when finishing.

The match ended angrily with a flurry a bad challenges and yellow cards. But United hung on to pick up another important three points. A large away end full of thousands of United fans, who never stopped singing throughout the match, greeted their man of the match hero Robin van Persie.

Not for the first time, and I'm sure not the last this season, I'm singing the praises of David De Gea, who made crucial saves to keep United in the match. It seems that not a game goes by in which he proves his importance to the team. While his defence are at sixes and sevens he is calm personified in goal.

With this fifth win on the bounce, United move up into third place in the league and within touching distance of City and Chelsea. Looking at the matches coming over the Christmas period there is no reason why van Gaal's men can't keep the winning streak going until the end of the year.

Then we enter the January transfer window, when I expect a top class central defender to be added to the squad, which has looked decidedly shaky at the back since the start of the season. I would also like to see a midfielder brought in, but one with the ability to break up opponents attacks, Kevin Strootman for example.  Unfortunately players will also have to be released to lighten the wage load, those players are the likes of Anderson, who has become surplus to requirements under van Gaal.

Now United and the fans turn their attention to the big one. United vs Liverpool this coming Sunday at Old Trafford. After their highs of last season it's good to see normal service has returned to Anfield, and it's a perfect time to be playing them. Having sold Suarez to Barcelona, and a long term injury to Sturridge, they lack threat up front as Balotelli isn't exactly pulling his weight. This is the biggest match for both sides of any season and I'm anticipating another fiery encounter, with United to come out on top of course.

Thanks again for reading my thoughts.

Miles Dunton.